Post doc (m/f/d) - Collective ecology of Verreaux’s sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi)
At the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Radolfzell / Konstanz
The
Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior is an international research
institute dedicated to achieving a quantitative and predictive
understanding of animal decision-making in the natural world. The
institute’s three departments and one independent research group are
home to over 150 employees focused on experimental, observational and
theoretical research in the fields of animal movement and migration,
behavioral ecology, and collective behavior, and have close academic
ties to the University of Konstanz and its Center for the Advanced Study
of Collective Behavior.
The
Department for the Ecology of Animal Societies would like to fill the
following position from April 2020 (some flexibility on start date is
possible) Post doc (m/f/d) in the collective ecology of Verreaux’s sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi) (100%)
The
position is offered for an initial period of 2 years; an extension of
up to 2 additional years is possible, contingent on performance.
Your tasks:
The
selected candidate will engage with an interdisciplinary and
international team of researchers undertaking a large-scale project on
the Collective Ecology of Verreaux’s Sifaka. In this project, we are
leveraging innovations in tracking technology and computational modeling
to determine how the structure of social connections shapes information
flow and decision-making at the individual, group and population level.
The post doc will lead field-based observational and tracking research
on populations of Verreaux’s sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi) and fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox)
in Kirindy Mitea National Park in Madagascar. S/he will develop and
apply analytical methods to investigate mechanisms of behavioral
coordination and patterns of information flow at the individual, group
and population level, and may also develop simulation models linking
behavioral interactions to collective outcomes across groups with
different social structures. The post doc will be expected to supervise
and mentor graduate and undergraduate students, and to participate in
all aspects of the research project from field work and data collection
to managing and analyzing data to writing manuscripts and grant
proposals, and will be asked to contribute to the development of
research approaches and directions. S/he will be based at the Max Planck
Institute of Animal Behavior / University of Konstanz (Dr. Meg Crofoot)
in collaboration with University of Texas, Austin (Dr. Rebecca Lewis),
Southeastern Louisiana University (Dr. Teague O’Mara), and University of
California, Davis (Dr. Damien Caillaud).
Your profile:
Required qualifications:
· PhD in a relevant area
· Demonstrated publication record
· Enthusiasm for tackling biological questions with data-driven approaches
· Demonstrated competency in many of the below areas:
o Field-based behavioral observation
o Organization and logistics of international field research
o Analyzing and interpreting large datasets
o Strong critical thinking and writing skills
· Ability to conduct research semi-autonomously
· Strong communication skills and enthusiasm for working as part of an interdisciplinary and international team
Desired qualifications:
· French or Malagasy language skills
· Scientific programming ability (Python, R, or Matlab)
· Experience with animal capture and biotelemetry/tracking
· Analysis and modeling of time series, spatial, and/or network data
· Experience with developing theoretical / simulation models
· Demonstrated commitment to fostering and supporting a diverse and inclusive scientific community.
Our offer:
The
Department for the Ecology of Animal Societies embraces an explicitly
collaborative approach to scientific exploration. The successful
candidate will join a multi-disciplinary team working together to
develop new ways of measuring, analyzing and interpreting the behavior
of socially complex animal species in ecologically and evolutionarily
relevant field settings. Our working language is English and
consequently applicants must be fluent in this language; knowledge of
German is welcome but not required.
The
Max Planck Society endeavors to employ more severely disabled people.
Applications of severely disabled persons are expressly welcome. The Max
Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome
applications from all backgrounds. The payment is made in accordance
with your qualification and the collective agreement for the public
service (TVöD-Bund).
Questions about the position will be answered by Dr. Meg Crofoot (mcrofoot@ab.mpg.de)
Your application:
The position is available until filled. For full consideration, applicants should submit the following by 15 February 2020 via our online application portal.
Please compile all documents into a single PDF and upload as an attachment named YourSurname_application.pdf.
1. cover letter addressing your interest in the position and qualifications (1 page)
2. statement of research and professional goals (1 page)
3. curriculum vitae
4. a sample publication
5. names and contact information for three references
6. contact information